MINNEAPOLIS – Hockey has always been a part of life for junior Meghan Lorence, who says she grew up in hockey rinks tagging along after her older brother and sister. After graduating from Irondale High School, her lifelong dream of playing hockey for the Golden Gophers came true, and she has loved every minute of her career so far. Lorence has 24 points in 24 games for Minnesota this season and looks forward to carrying the team’s success so far through the final weeks of the regular season and into the postseason.

How did you first start playing hockey?

I first got into hockey when my older brother and sister started playing. I grew up at the hockey rink. Hockey has always been a part of my family, so I just followed in the tradition. I also played softball up until my sophomore year of high school, but hockey was my main sport. At that point, I decided to just focus on hockey and improving my skills there.

How did you choose the University of Minnesota?

I always dreamed of coming to the University of Minnesota. It’s close to home, and the atmosphere, the culture and what it means to wear the M were really special to me. I knew a bunch of the girls on the team coming in, so that was a main part in my decision as well.

What was it like playing against some of your current Gopher teammates in high school?

It was weird, especially with Rachael Bona because we played in the same conference in high school. We actually played against each other in the section playoffs our senior year, so that was weird. We didn’t know what it would be like to be teammates because we were so competitive with one another. But, we were roommates our freshmen year, and it ended up working really well. As soon as you become teammates, all the rivalry just stops and you become good friends. At first, I was kind of nervous about it though, going from being opponents to being teammates and roommates.

What’s your major?

My major is Human Resource and Development and Business and Marketing. I’m planning to minor in Communications as well.

What is your favorite road trip?

I like going to Duluth. My freshman year, we won the national championship there. Going back there brings back a lot of memories. We’ve had a lot of success in their building over the last couple years.

Who is your favorite team to play against?

That’s a tough one. My favorite team to play against is probably Wisconsin because it’s a respectful rivalry. North Dakota is another rival where it’s more competitive. I would say those two are teams I love to play against.

What stands out when you look back on this season so far?

We create a lot of memories every day, just coming to practice and being together as a team, but the Hockey City Classic was a big memory that I’ll always look back on because it was such a cool experience.

What does the team need to focus on heading into the final stretch?

We need to stick together and be positive with one another while coming to practice every day and pushing each other. We can’t afford to take a game off, so we have to keep improving and prepare well for each game.

What do you think makes Gopher women’s hockey so special?

The pride that each of us has in putting on our jerseys and the tradition that the alumni have built – and continuing those things each day – make our program special.